Ch 401: Chinese-English Translation

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Chinese into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications. 

Through weekly seminars, the module convenor will introduce topical issues and key translation theories. Students will be assigned different genres of texts (literary, academic, media, technical and commercial, etc.) in Chinese to translate into English and present in class. The informal presentations will form the basis for group discussions on translation method and technique, and for sharing constructive feedback. Diligent assignment preparations and active seminar participation will also help students expand their knowledge of Chinese grammatical structures, text styles, vocabulary, idioms and expressions. 

Students must have advanced language proficiency in Chinese to follow the module content. 

Prerequisites

Advanced level of Chinese language (Ch400 level). 

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to: 

• demonstrate knowledge of advanced Chinese grammar, vocabulary, idioms and expressions 
• demonstrate skills and methods in analysing and translating different genres and styles of Chinese texts into English 
• identify and use relevant reference materials and critical sources for translating different Chinese text types into English 
• demonstrate intellectual perspectives on translation practices, strategies and activity. 

Workload

This module will be taught over 10 weeks at 2 hours per week in seminars. 

Method of assessment

Translation portfolio or project (60%)

Presentation (40%)

Suggested reading

• Baker, Mona. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 1992. 
• Chan, Tak-hung Leo. Twentieth-century Chinese Translation Theory. Amsterdam and Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing House, 2004. 
• Munday, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2012. 
• Nida, Eugene. Contexts in Translating. Amsterdam: J. Benjamins Publishing Co., 2001. 
• Pellatt, Valerie and Eric T. Liu. Thinking Chinese Translation. A Course in Translation Method: Chinese to English. London: Routledge, 2010. 

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules